Boost Web Accessibility: 6 Must-Follow Tips for Frontend Developers ??

In the modern digital world, the web is essential for accessing information and services, yet not everyone experiences it equally. Currently, only 2.6%* of websites are fully accessible to people with disabilities or impairments.

As web developers, our goal is to deliver the best possible experience to all users. We can achieve this by ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate online effectively. Here are 6 tips to improve the web accessibility of your application with minimal effort.

*Report publicized by the WebAIM

6 Best Practices:

1. ?? Implement semantic HTML

HTML elements play a crucial role in structuring webpage content effectively. A proper heading hierarchy (from <h1> to <h6>) is particularly important. Incorrect order can confuse screen readers, potentially skipping over important content.

Ensuring the correct use of HTML elements not only facilitates smooth navigation for all users but also enhances SEO. This boosts webpage visibility and attracts more traffic.

2. ?? Use descriptive ?alt’ attribute for images

Images enhance the user experience, but can pose challenges for those with impaired vision. Descriptive ?alt’ attributes enable screen reader users to understand the content and contribute to better SEO.

However, it's essential to provide alt text only for images that serve a navigational or informational purpose. Decorative images should be omitted from the 'alt' attribute to prevent confusion and maintain clarity for users.

3. ?? Always label inputs

When developing online forms, it's crucial to label text fields with descriptive titles. This ensures that users relying on screen readers can complete the forms correctly. Using the <label> tag or the 'aria-label' attribute will significantly enhance the accessibility of your web forms.

4. ?? Enhance audio and video with captions and transcripts

When embedding videos or GIFs on your website, always provide closed captions and text alternatives for users with hearing or visual impairments. Additionally, use ARIA properties to ensure screen readers detect new content added or updated without refreshing the page. This makes your media accessible to everyone.

5. ?? Ensure appropriate colour contrast

Colours help users distinguish different sets of information. However, colour blindness and other disabilities can make it difficult to find information or call-to-action buttons if proper contrast isn't maintained. Always ensure sufficient colour contrast to enhance accessibility for all users.

6. ↗? Improve links and buttons with 'aria-label'

Use descriptive titles for links and buttons to help users relying on screen readers understand their purpose and destination. The 'aria-label' attribute ensures clear navigation, making your website more accessible.

Make It Inclusive

These 6 best practices are just a starting point for web accessibility. To ensure your website is fully accessible, refer to the comprehensive standards outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. A fully accessible website is built in such a way that anyone can use it without difficulty. As developers, we all have a responsibility to build inclusive products.

Don't build for 85% of your users. Build for all 100% of them.